Washing machine appliance having a selective ventilation damper

ABSTRACT

A washing machine appliance, including methods of operation therefor, are provided herein. The washing machine appliance may include a cabinet, a tub positioned within the cabinet, a wash basket, a ventilation line, and a vent damper. The wash basket may be rotatably mounted within the tub. The wash basket may define a wash chamber for receiving articles for washing. The ventilation line may define an air path from the tub to an ambient environment outside of the cabinet. The vent damper may be positioned along ventilation line in fluid communication therewith. The vent damper may be selectively movable between a first position restricting airflow through the ventilation line and a second position permitting airflow through the ventilation line.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to washing machineappliances, and more particularly to washing machine appliances havingselective ventilation features.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Washing machine appliances generally include a wash tub for containingwater or wash fluid (e.g., water and detergent, bleach, or other washadditives). A basket is rotatably mounted within the wash tub anddefines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. Duringnormal operation of such washing machine appliances, the wash fluid isdirected into the wash tub and onto articles within the wash chamber ofthe basket. The basket or an agitation element can rotate at variousspeeds to agitate articles within the wash chamber, to wring wash fluidfrom articles within the wash chamber, etc.

Some existing washing machine appliances, such as horizontal axiswashing machines, are provided with one or more ventilation features.Such features may allow washing machine appliance to exchange airbetween the wash tub and the ambient environment. The exchange of airmay be necessary to prevent moisture from accumulating within the tub.For example, if the tub is not ventilated, mold or mildew may formwithin the washing machine. In turn, undesirable odors may be generated.

Although ventilation features may ensure that moisture does notaccumulate within the washing machine appliance while the washingmachine appliance is not in use, such features may provide certaindisadvantages. For example, while the washing machine appliance is inuse (e.g., during a wash cycle) ventilation features may provide a paththrough which noise is conveyed or amplified. Generally, noise generatedby washing machine appliance during use is undesirable.

As a result, it would be desirable to provide a washing machineappliance or methods of operation that address one or more of the aboveidentified issues. In particular, it would be useful to minimize noisethat is audible to a user outside of the washing machine applianceduring certain operations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in thefollowing description, or may be obvious from the description, or may belearned through practice of the invention.

In exemplary aspects of the present disclosure, a washing machineappliance is provided. The washing machine appliance may include acabinet including a front panel defining an opening, a tub positionedwithin the cabinet, a wash basket, a ventilation line, and a ventdamper. The wash basket may be rotatably mounted within the tub. Thewash basket may define a wash chamber for receiving articles forwashing. The ventilation line may define an air path from the tubthrough the cabinet. The vent damper may be positioned along ventilationline in fluid communication therewith. The vent damper may beselectively movable between a first position restricting airflow throughthe ventilation line and a second position permitting airflow throughthe ventilation line.

In other exemplary aspects of the present disclosure, a method foroperating a washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machineappliance may include a cabinet, a tub positioned within the cabinet, aventilation line defining an air path from the tub through the cabinet,and a vent damper positioned along ventilation line in fluidcommunication therewith. The method may include receiving a user inputat the washing machine appliance. The method may also includedetermining a noise state of the washing machine appliance followingreceiving the user input. The method may further include directing thevent damper between a first position and a second position based on thedetermined noise state. The first position may restrict airflow throughthe ventilation line and the second position permitting airflow throughthe ventilation line.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrateembodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serveto explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is setforth in the specification, which makes reference to the appendedfigures.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a washing machine applianceaccording to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 provides a cross-sectional side view of the exemplary washingmachine appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of a damper assembly according toexemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 provides a cross-sectional schematic view of the exemplary damperassembly of FIG. 3 in a closed first position.

FIG. 5 provides a cross-sectional schematic view of the exemplary damperassembly of FIG. 3 in an open second position.

FIG. 6 provides a flow chart of a method of operating a washing machineappliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention,one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Eachexample is provided by way of explanation of the invention, notlimitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be madein the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit ofthe invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as partof one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present inventioncovers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

In order to aid understanding of this disclosure, several terms aredefined below. The defined terms are understood to have meaningscommonly recognized by persons of ordinary skill in the arts relevant tothe present invention. The terms “includes” and “including” are intendedto be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly,the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” isintended to mean “A or B or both”). The terms “first,” “second,” and“third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one element fromanother and are not intended to signify location or importance of theindividual elements.

Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of anexemplary horizontal axis washing machine appliance 100, and FIG. 2 is aside cross-sectional view of washing machine appliance 100. Asillustrated, washing machine appliance 100 generally defines a verticaldirection V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, eachof which is mutually perpendicular, such that an orthogonal coordinatesystem is defined. Washing machine appliance 100 includes a cabinet 102that extends between a top 104 and a bottom 106 along the verticaldirection V, between a left side 108 and a right side 110 along thelateral direction L, and between a front 112 and a rear 114 along thetransverse direction T.

Referring to FIG. 2, a wash tub 124 is positioned within cabinet 102 andis generally configured for retaining wash fluids during an operatingcycle. As used herein, “wash fluid” may refer to water, detergent,fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable wash additive orcombination thereof. Wash tub 124 is substantially fixed relative tocabinet 102 such that it does not rotate or translate relative tocabinet 102.

A wash basket 120 is received within wash tub 124 and defines a washchamber 126 that is configured for receipt of articles for washing. Morespecifically, wash basket 120 is rotatably mounted within wash tub 124such that it is rotatable about an axis of rotation A. According to theillustrated embodiments, the axis of rotation A is substantiallyparallel to the transverse direction T. In this regard, washing machineappliance 100 is generally referred to as a “horizontal axis” or “frontload” washing machine appliance 100.

Wash basket 120 may define one or more agitator features that extendinto wash chamber 126 to assist in agitation and cleaning articlesdisposed within wash chamber 126 during operation of washing machineappliance 100. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a plurality ofribs 128 extends from basket 120 into wash chamber 126. In this manner,for example, ribs 128 may lift articles disposed in wash basket 120during rotation of wash basket 120.

Washing machine appliance 100 includes a motor assembly 122 that is inmechanical communication with wash basket 120 to selectively rotate washbasket 120 (e.g., during an agitation or a rinse cycle of washingmachine appliance 100). According to the illustrated embodiments, motorassembly 122 is a pancake motor. However, it should be appreciated thatany suitable type, size, or configuration of motor may be used to rotatewash basket 120 according to alternative embodiments.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, cabinet 102 also includes a frontpanel 130 that defines an opening 132 that permits user access to washbasket 120 of wash tub 124. More specifically, washing machine appliance100 includes a door 134 that is positioned over opening 132 and isrotatably mounted to front panel 130 (e.g., about a door axis that issubstantially parallel to the vertical direction V). In this manner,door 134 permits selective access to opening 132 by being movablebetween an open position (not shown) facilitating access to a wash tub124 and a closed position (FIG. 1) prohibiting access to wash tub 124.Optionally, a lock assembly 182 may be fixed to cabinet 102 toselectively lock or hold a free end of the door 134 to cabinet 102 whendoor 134 is in the closed position (e.g., during certain operations orwash cycles).

In some embodiments, a window 136 in door 134 permits viewing of washbasket 120 when door 134 is in the closed position (e.g., duringoperation of washing machine appliance 100). Door 134 also includes ahandle (not shown) that, for example, a user may pull when opening andclosing door 134. Further, although door 134 is illustrated as mountedto front panel 130, it should be appreciated that door 134 may bemounted to another side of cabinet 102 or any other suitable supportaccording to alternative embodiments. Additionally or alternatively, afront gasket or baffle may extend between tub 124 and the front panel130 about the opening 132 covered by door 134, further sealing tub 124from cabinet 102.

As shown, wash basket 120 defines a plurality of perforations 140 inorder to facilitate fluid communication between an interior of basket120 and wash tub 124. A sump 142 is defined by wash tub 124 at a bottomof wash tub 124 along the vertical direction V. Thus, sump 142 isconfigured for receipt of, and generally collects, wash fluid duringoperation of washing machine appliance 100. For example, duringoperation of washing machine appliance 100, wash fluid may be urged(e.g., by gravity) from basket 120 to sump 142 through plurality ofperforations 140. A pump assembly 144 is located beneath wash tub 124for gravity assisted flow when draining wash tub 124 (e.g., via a drain146). Pump assembly 144 may also be configured for recirculating washfluid within wash tub 124.

In some embodiments, washing machine appliance 100 includes an additivedispenser or spout 150. For example, spout 150 may be in fluidcommunication with a water supply (not shown) in order to direct fluid(e.g., clean water) into wash tub 124. Spout 150 may also be in fluidcommunication with the sump 142. For example, pump assembly 144 maydirect wash fluid disposed in sump 142 to spout 150 in order tocirculate wash fluid in wash tub 124.

As illustrated, a detergent drawer 152 may be slidably mounted withinfront panel 130. Detergent drawer 152 receives a wash additive (e.g.,detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable liquid orpowder) and directs the fluid additive to wash chamber 126 duringcertain operations or wash cycle phases of washing machine appliance100. According to the illustrated embodiment, detergent drawer 152 mayalso be fluidly coupled to spout 150 to facilitate the complete andaccurate dispensing of wash additive.

In optional embodiments, a bulk reservoir 154 is disposed within cabinet102. Bulk reservoir 154 may be configured for receipt of fluid additivefor use during operation of washing machine appliance 100. Moreover,bulk reservoir 154 may be sized such that a volume of fluid additivesufficient for a plurality or multitude of wash cycles of washingmachine appliance 100 (e.g., five, ten, twenty, fifty, or any othersuitable number of wash cycles) may fill bulk reservoir 154. Thus, forexample, a user can fill bulk reservoir 154 with fluid additive andoperate washing machine appliance 100 for a plurality of wash cycleswithout refilling bulk reservoir 154 with fluid additive. A reservoirpump 156 is configured for selective delivery of the fluid additive frombulk reservoir 154 to wash tub 124.

In some embodiments, a ventilation line 190 is provided within washingmachine appliance 100. In particular, ventilation line 190 may beenclosed within cabinet 102. As shown in FIG. 2, exemplary embodimentsinclude ventilation line 190 at a position in fluid communicationbetween tub 124 and the surrounding region (e.g., the ambientenvironment outside of or immediately surrounding cabinet 102, theenclosed volume of cabinet 102 surrounding tub 124, etc.). Generally, itis understood that ventilation line 190 may be provided as any suitablepipe or conduit (e.g., having non-permeable wall) for directing airtherethrough. When assembled, ventilation line 190 defines an air path192 from tub 124 and within or through cabinet 102 (e.g., to the ambientenvironment outside of cabinet 102). In optional embodiments, air path192 extends from the top portion of tub 124 to an upper portion ofcabinet 102. However, any other suitable configuration may be providedto facilitate the flow of air from tub 124 and, for example, to theambient environment (e.g., when washing machine appliance 100 is not inuse).

A ventilation assembly or vent damper 210 is positioned alongventilation line 190 in exemplary embodiments. Generally, vent damper210 is in communication with ventilation line 190 (i.e., in fluidcommunication with air path 192). In certain embodiments, vent damper210 is enclosed, at least in part, within cabinet 102. As will bedescribed in detail below, vent damper 210 may be selectively controlledor operated to limit the flow of air through ventilation line 190 or airpath 192 during certain operations (e.g., one or more predeterminedphases or cycles). Thus vent damper 210 may selectively limit airflowbetween tub 124 and the ambient environment.

In certain embodiments, one or more secondary ventilation lines 191 areprovided within washing machine appliance 100. In particular, asecondary ventilation line 191 may be enclosed within cabinet 102. Asshown in FIG. 2, exemplary embodiments include secondary ventilationline 191 at a position in fluid communication between tub 124 and theambient environment (e.g., the region outside of or immediatelysurrounding cabinet 102). Generally, it is understood that ventilationline 190 may be provided as any suitable pipe or conduit (e.g., havingnon-permeable wall) for directing air therethrough. When assembled,secondary ventilation line 191 defines an air path 193 from tub 124 thatis distinct and separated from the air path 192. As illustrated,secondary ventilation line 191 attaches to tub 124 at a location that isspaced apart from the attachment location or point of ventilation line190 (e.g., along the transverse direction T). In optional embodiments,air path 193 extends from the top portion of tub 124 to an upper portionof cabinet 102. However, any other suitable configuration may beprovided to facilitate the flow of air from tub 124 and, for example, tothe ambient environment (e.g., when washing machine appliance 100 is notin use).

When air path 192 is unobstructed (e.g., when vent damper 210 is in anopen second position), air may flow through tub 124 and between airpaths 192 and 193. In other words, an airflow circuit with the ambientenvironment may be formed by the ventilation lines 190, 191 and tub 124.Moreover, when washing machine appliance 100 is in use or air path 192is obstructed, secondary ventilation line 191 may permit pressure withintub 124 to equalize relative to the ambient environment.

In some embodiments, a control panel 160 including a plurality of inputselectors 162 is coupled to front panel 130. Control panel 160 and inputselectors 162 may collectively form a user interface input for operatorselection of machine cycles and features. For example, in exemplaryembodiments, a display 164 indicates selected features, a countdowntimer, or other items of interest to machine users.

Operation of washing machine appliance 100 is generally controlled by acontroller or processing device 166. In some embodiments, controller 166is in operative communication with (e.g., electrically or wirelesslyconnected to) control panel 160 for user manipulation to select washingmachine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of controlpanel 160, controller 166 operates the various components of washingmachine appliance 100 to execute selected machine cycles and features.

Controller 166 may include a memory (e.g., non-transitive memory) andmicroprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessoroperable to execute programming instructions or micro-control codeassociated with a wash operation. The memory may represent random accessmemory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In oneembodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored inmemory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or maybe included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller 166may be constructed without using a microprocessor (e.g., using acombination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry, such asswitches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates,and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying uponsoftware. Control panel 160 and other components of washing machineappliance 100, such as motor assembly 122 and vent damper 210, may be inoperative communication with controller 166 via one or more signal linesor shared communication busses. Additionally or alternatively, otherfeatures, such as an electronic lock assembly 182 for door 134 may be inoperative communication with controller 166 via one or more other signallines or shared communication busses.

In exemplary embodiments, during operation of washing machine appliance100, laundry items are loaded into wash basket 120 through opening 132,and a wash cycle is initiated through operator manipulation of inputselectors 162. For example, a wash cycle may be initiated such that washtub 124 is filled with water, detergent, or other fluid additives (e.g.,via additive dispenser 150 during a fill phase). One or more valves (notshown) can be controlled by washing machine appliance 100 to provide forfilling wash basket 120 to the appropriate level for the amount ofarticles being washed or rinsed. By way of example, once wash basket 120is properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash basket 120 can beagitated (e.g., with ribs 128) for an agitation phase of laundry itemsin wash basket 120. During the agitation phase, the basket 120 may bemotivated about the axis of rotation A at a set speed (e.g., first speedor tumble speed). As the basket 120 is rotated, articles within thebasket 120 may be lifted and permitted to drop therein.

After the agitation phase of the washing operation or wash cycle iscompleted, wash tub 124 can be drained (e.g., through a drain phase).Laundry articles can then be rinsed (e.g., through a rinse phase) byagain adding fluid to wash tub 124, depending on the particulars of thewash cycle selected by a user. Ribs 128 may again provide agitationwithin wash basket 120. One or more spin phases may also be used. Inparticular, a spin phase may be applied after the wash cycle or afterthe rinse cycle in order to wring wash fluid from the articles beingwashed. During a spin phase, basket 120 is rotated at relatively highspeeds. For instance, basket 120 may be rotated at one set speed (e.g.,second speed or pre-plaster speed) before be rotated at another setspeed (e.g., third speed or plaster speed). As would be understood, thepre-plaster speed may be greater than the tumble speed and the plasterspeed may be greater than the pre-plaster speed. Moreover, agitation ortumbling of articles may be reduced as basket 120 increases itsrotational velocity such that the plaster speed maintains the articlesat a generally fixed position relative to basket 120.

After articles disposed in wash basket 120 are cleaned (or the washcycle otherwise ends), a user can remove the articles from wash basket120 (e.g., by opening door 134 and reaching into wash basket 120 throughopening 132).

Turning now to FIGS. 3 through 5, various views are provided of a damperassembly (e.g., vent damper 210) according to exemplary embodiments ofthe present disclosure. As shown, vent damper 210 may include a rigid,non-permeable housing or chute 212. Chute 212 may define an opening 214to selectively permit air therethrough and communicate with air path192. Thus, chute 212 may extend about opening 214, and opening 214 mayextend through chute 212. In certain embodiments, an interior lip 216extends radially inward from chute 212 toward opening 214 (e.g., coaxialor concentric with opening 214), thus defining a perimeter (or perimeterportion) of opening 214.

When assembled, chute 212 may be positioned along within ventilationline 190. Ventilation line 190 may be mated to chute 212. For instance,the walls ventilation line 190 may connect directly or indirectly tochute 212. Opening 214 may thus be aligned with air path 192. It isunderstood that when assembled airflow through the air path 192 isrestricted through opening 214. Thus, any air passing between tub 124and the ambient environment through ventilation line 190 may be forcedto flow through opening 214. This may be especially true when door 134(FIG. 2) of the washing machine appliance 100 is in the closed position.

In some embodiments, vent damper 210 includes a non-permeable restrictorplate 218. Generally, restrictor plate 218 is movably attached to chute212. For example, restrictor plate 218 may be rotatably mounted to chute212 to selectively pivot about a predefined pivot axis P. During use,restrictor plate 218 may be selectively moved (e.g., rotated) in frontof or behind opening 214. Thus, restrictor plate 218 may selectivelyblock air passage through opening 214. Moreover, restrictor plate 218may selectively permit air passage through opening 214.

In certain embodiments, restrictor plate 218 is configured to movebetween a discrete first position and second position. As illustrated inFIG. 4, the first position generally restricts airflow through opening214 (e.g., and thereby through ventilation line 190). In the firstposition, restrictor plate 218 may extend across opening 214. Bycontrast, and as illustrated in FIG. 5, the second position maygenerally permit airflow through opening 214 (e.g., and thereby throughventilation line 190). In the second position, restrictor plate 218 maybe moved away from opening 214 (e.g., to a positioning that is parallelor nonorthogonal to air path 192).

In certain embodiments, a resilient foam layer 220 is provided onrestrictor plate 218. For instance, resilient foam layer 220 may befixed to a surface of restrictor plate 218 between opening 214 andrestrictor plate 218 (e.g., relative to or along air path 192). Whenrestrictor plate 218 is in the first position, resilient foam layer 220may contact at least a portion of chute 212. For instance, resilientfoam layer 220 may be positioned in contact with interior lip 216.Optionally, resilient foam layer 220 may be at least partiallycompressed against chute 212, sealing air path 192 to prevent air frompassing through opening 214. It is understood that resilient foam layer220 may be provided as any suitable resilient or elastic foam materialthat can be compressed before returning to its uncompressed state orshape.

In exemplary embodiments, a motor 222 is mechanically coupled tonon-permeable restrictor plate 218. Motor 222 may be attached at anysuitable location on or near chute 212 to move restrictor plate 218relative to opening 214. For instance, motor 222 may be configured toselectively rotate restrictor plate 218 about the pivot access P.Moreover, motor 222 may be provided as any suitable electromechanicaldevice (e.g., gear assembly, solenoid, actuator, etc.) for movingrestrictor plate 218 or holding restrictor plate 218 in a directedposition. In certain embodiments, motor 222 is in operativecommunication with (e.g., electrically or wirelessly connected to)controller 166. Controller 166 may be configured to direct motor 222 tomove or hold restrictor plate 218 in a selected position (e.g.,according to a selected wash cycle or phase). In other words, controller166 may be configured to move or rotate vent damper 210 between thefirst position and the second position.

Referring now to FIG. 6, various methods may be provided for use withwashing machine appliances in accordance with the present disclosure. Ingeneral, the various steps of methods as disclosed herein may, inexemplary embodiments, be performed by the controller 166, which mayreceive inputs and transmit outputs from various other components of theappliance 100. In particular, the present disclosure is further directedto methods, as indicated by reference number 600, for operating awashing machine appliance 100, as described above. Such methodsadvantageously facilitate selectively limiting the audible noisetransmitted outside of washing machine appliance (e.g., outside ofcabinet 102 in the surrounding ambient environment) during a wash cycle.

As shown in FIG. 6, at 610, the method 600 includes receiving a userinput at the washing machine appliance. For instance, the controller mayreceive a signal in response to user command provided at the userinterface (e.g., to activate the washing machine appliance from a sleepstate, select a wash cycle, etc.). Optionally, a wash cycle may beinitiated, as discussed above. Additionally or alternatively, the doorthe washing machine appliance may be locked or unlocked (e.g., at thelock assembly) depending on the received user input.

At 620, the method 600 includes determining a noise state of the washingmachine appliance following receiving the user input (i.e., following610). Moreover, 620 may be based on (or otherwise contingent upon) theuser input at 610.

As an example, the noise state may generally correspond to theinitiation or completion of a wash cycle. In some such embodiments, 620includes determining initiation of a wash cycle (i.e., when a wash cyclehas begun or is otherwise imminent) such that significant noise can beexpected from within the washing machine appliance. In additional oralternative embodiments, 620 includes determining completion of a washcycle (i.e., when a wash cycle has ended) such that significant noise isno longer being generated by the basket motor, water valves, or basketwithin the washing machine appliance. Optionally, the method 600 mayinclude multiple noise state determinations. For instance one noisestate determination may be made upon determining initiation of a washcycle, while another noise state determination may be made upondetermining completion of the wash cycle.

As another example, the noise state may generally correspond to one ormore sub-portions or phases of a wash cycle during which significantnoise is expected. In some such embodiments, 620 includes determininginitiation of an audible phase of the wash cycle (i.e., when an audiblephase has begun, is beginning, or is otherwise imminent). In additionalor alternative embodiments, 620 includes determining completion of anaudible phase of a wash cycle (i.e., when an audible phase has ended)such that significant noise is no longer being generated by the basketmotor, water valves, or basket within the washing machine appliance. Theaudible phase may include one or more of the fill phase, agitationphase, or spin phase, as discussed above. Optionally, the method 600 mayinclude multiple noise state determinations. For instance one noisestate determination may be made upon determining initiation of anaudible phase of a wash cycle, while another noise state determinationmay be made upon determining completion of the audible phase of the washcycle.

As yet another example, the noise state may generally correspond to astandby condition or a wake condition. Generally, the standby conditionmay be provided as a low-power state wherein at least a portion ofwashing machine appliance (e.g., the user interface or the display) isinactive, such as after a predetermined amount of time during which nouser input is received and no wash cycle is being performed. The wakecondition may be provided as a condition that prompts the washingmachine appliance out of a standby condition (e.g., engagement of apredetermined user input at the input selectors). In some suchembodiments, 620 includes determining a wake condition is met. Forinstance, determining the wake condition is met may include determiningthat the washing machine appliance has received a user input promptingthe washing machine appliance to activate one or more elements that wererendered inactive during a standby condition. In additional oralternative embodiments, 620 includes determining a standby condition ismet. For instance, determining that the standby condition is met mayinclude determining that the washing machine appliance has deactivatedone or more elements in response to a predetermined time period ofnon-use. Optionally, the method 600 may include multiple noise statedeterminations. For instance one noise state determination may be madeupon determining a wake condition is met, while another noise statedetermination may be made upon determining a standby condition is met.

As still another example, the noise state may generally correspond to alock condition or unlock condition for the door of the appliance (e.g.,at the lock assembly). Generally, the lock condition may hold door inthe closed position as the lock assembly secures the door to thecabinet. The unlock condition may permit the door to move between aclosed position and an open position as the lock assembly releases afree end of the door from the cabinet. In some such embodiments, 620includes determining a lock condition is met. For instance, determiningthe lock condition is met may include determining that the lock assemblyhas been or is actively being directed to hold the door of washingmachine appliance closed (e.g., against the cabinet). In additional oralternative embodiments, 620 includes determining an unlock condition ismet. For instance, determining that the unlock condition is met mayinclude determining that the lock assembly has been or is actively beingdirected to release the free end of the door from the cabinet.Optionally, the method 600 may include multiple noise statedeterminations. For instance one noise state determination may be madeupon determining a lock condition is met, while another noise statedetermination may be made upon determining an unlock condition is met.

At 630, the method 600 includes directing the vent damper between afirst position and a second position based on the determined noisestate, as described above.

As an example, if the noise state corresponds to the wash cycle, thevent damper may be directed accordingly. In some such embodiments, 630includes placing the vent damper in the first position (e.g., moving thevent damper to or holding the vent damper at the first position) inresponse to initiation of the wash cycle. In additional or alternativeembodiments, 630 includes placing the vent damper in the second position(e.g., moving the vent damper to or holding the vent damper at thesecond position) in response to completion of the wash cycle.

As another example, if the noise state corresponds to the audible phase,the vent damper may be directed accordingly. In some such embodiments,630 includes placing the vent damper in the first position (e.g., movingthe vent damper to or holding the vent damper at the first position) inresponse to initiation of the audible phase. In additional oralternative embodiments, 630 includes placing the vent damper in thesecond position (e.g., moving the vent damper to or holding the ventdamper at the second position) in response to completion of the audiblephase.

As yet another example, if the noise state corresponds to the wakecondition or standby condition, the vent damper may be directedaccordingly. In some such embodiments, 630 includes placing the ventdamper in the first position (e.g., moving the vent damper to or holdingthe vent damper at the first position) in response to the wake conditionbeing met. In additional or alternative embodiments, 630 includesplacing the vent damper in the second position (e.g., m moving the ventdamper to or holding the vent damper at the second position) in responseto the standby condition being met.

As still another example, if the noise state corresponds to the doorlock condition or door unlock condition, the vent damper may be directedaccordingly. In some such embodiments, 630 includes placing the ventdamper in the first position (e.g., moving the vent damper to or holdingthe vent damper at the first position) in response to the door lockcondition being met. In additional or alternative embodiments, 630includes placing the vent damper in the second position (e.g., movingthe vent damper to or holding the vent damper at the second position) inresponse to the door unlock condition being met.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal languages of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A washing machine appliance comprising: a cabinetincluding a front panel, the front panel defining an opening; a tubpositioned within the cabinet; a wash basket rotatably mounted withinthe tub, the wash basket defining a wash chamber for receiving articlesfor washing; a ventilation line defining an air path from the tubthrough the cabinet; and a vent damper positioned along ventilation linein fluid communication therewith, the vent damper being selectivelymovable between a first position restricting airflow through theventilation line and a second position permitting airflow through theventilation line.
 2. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, whereinthe vent damper comprises a non-permeable restrictor plate movablymounted along the ventilation line to block the air path in the firstposition.
 3. The washing machine appliance of claim 2, wherein the ventdamper further comprises a resilient foam layer fixed to thenon-permeable restrictor plate to seal the air path in the firstposition.
 4. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, furthercomprising: a motor mechanically coupled to the non-permeable restrictorplate; and a controller in operative communication with the motor,wherein the controller is configured to direct the motor to selectivelymove the vent damper between the first position and the second position.5. The washing machine appliance of claim 4, wherein the controller isconfigured to direct the motor to place the vent damper in the firstposition in response to initiation of a wash cycle.
 6. The washingmachine appliance of claim 4, wherein the controller is configured todirect the motor to place the vent damper in the second position inresponse to completion of a wash cycle.
 7. The washing machine applianceof claim 4, wherein the controller is configured to direct the motor toplace the vent damper in the first position in response to initiation ofa fill phase, an agitation phase, or a spin phase of the washing machineappliance.
 8. The washing machine appliance of claim 4, wherein thecontroller is configured to direct the motor to place the vent damper inthe first position in response to a predetermined washing machine wakecondition being met.
 9. The washing machine appliance of claim 4,wherein the controller is configured to direct the motor to place thevent damper in the second position in response to a predeterminedwashing machine standby condition being met.
 10. The washing machineappliance of claim 4, wherein the controller is configured to direct themotor to place the vent damper in the first position in response to adoor lock condition being met.
 11. The washing machine appliance ofclaim 4, wherein the controller is configured to direct the motor toplace the vent damper in the second position in response to a doorunlock condition being met.
 12. A method for operating a washing machineappliance, the washing machine appliance comprising a cabinet, a tubpositioned within the cabinet, a ventilation line defining an air pathfrom the tub through the cabinet, and a vent damper positioned alongventilation line in fluid communication therewith, the methodcomprising: receiving a user input at the washing machine appliance;determining a noise state of the washing machine appliance followingreceiving the user input; and directing the vent damper between a firstposition and a second position based on the determined noise state, thefirst position restricting airflow through the ventilation line and thesecond position permitting airflow through the ventilation line.
 13. Themethod of claim 12, wherein determining the noise state comprisesdetermining initiation of a wash cycle, and wherein directing the ventaperture comprises placing the vent damper in the first position inresponse to initiation of the wash cycle.
 14. The method of claim 12,wherein determining the noise state comprises determining completion ofa wash cycle, and wherein directing the vent aperture comprises placingthe vent damper in the second position in response to completion of thewash cycle.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein determining the noisestate comprises determining initiation of an audible phase of a washcycle, and wherein directing the vent aperture comprises placing thevent damper in the first position in response to initiation of theaudible phase.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the audible phasecomprises a fill phase, an agitation phase, or a spin phase of thewashing machine appliance.
 17. The method of claim 12, whereindetermining the noise state comprises determining a wake condition ismet, and wherein directing the vent aperture comprises placing the ventdamper in the first position in response to determining the wakecondition is met.
 18. The method of claim 12, wherein determining thenoise state comprises determining a standby condition is met, andwherein directing the vent aperture comprises placing the vent damper inthe second position in response to determining the standby condition ismet.
 19. The method of claim 12, wherein determining the noise statecomprises determining a door lock condition is met, and whereindirecting the vent aperture comprises placing the vent damper in thefirst position in response to determining the door lock condition ismet.
 20. The method of claim 12, wherein determining the noise statecomprises determining a door unlock condition is met, and whereindirecting the vent aperture comprises placing the vent damper in thesecond position in response to determining the door unlock condition ismet.